The event begins with a 10 a.m. brunch and a program filled with comedy, music and a chance for families to understand the ministry that has impacted thousands of teenagers. Registration for the brunch begins at 9:30 a.m. with the opportunity to peruse the parked planes and visit with pilots. The airshow, named Defying Gravity, will begin at 1 p.m. and is scheduled to last an hour, featuring World War II bombers and other planes performing a variety of maneuvers.

The cost of the brunch and airshow is $20 with children 5 and under entering free. There are only 350 spots available for the reservation only brunch and with families being invited, Routledge said these are going fast, but are still available by calling the office at 517- 283-2982. Since the event will be catered, a count will need to be turned in as soon as possible, he said.The purpose of this morning meal is to laugh, engage and hope for the possibilities of Crossroads Farm, Routledge said.

“Over the last 15 years, Crossroads Farm has defied gravity of sorts by providing social, spiritual, relational and intellectual opportunities to students living in rural America,” he said.

The host for the morning’s program is nationally recognized host of “Celebrate Your Marriage,” Jay Laffoon.

“He has been a friend of Crossroads Farm for all of its 15 years,” Routledge said, noting people will leave breakfast being entertained, well-fed and encouraged by the ministry.”

For those unable to come to the brunch, gates to the public open at 10:30 a.m. Ticket cost is $5 per person. Due to FAA regulations, the airport entry road will close before the airshow begins, so Routledge suggests coming early.

Airport Manager James Scheibner said traffic will be diverted to another entrance once the road is closed and ample parking will be available in several of the mown grass fields near the terminal building. Food vendors will be on site for lunch during the show as well. Preparations for fencing began Monday morning with crews setting up safety areas in compliance with FAA requirements.Scheibner said the show is significant in that it’s the first area show since the late 1970s, when a few maneuvers were done during normal fly-ins.“We’re very fortunate that Crossroads brought this to the community,” Scheibner said. “These are not amateurs - in normal venues it would cost a fortune, but they are doing it for Crossroads and the community.”Routledge said the family event is destined to make history with several nationally recognized names in stunt flying circles, from shows like Wings Over Houston and Thunder Over Michigan.

“This opportunity came from knowing one of the pilots, Al Schiffer, who knows about the ministry and it’s mission, thus facilitating a show with other pilots whose busy schedules were made available to make this happen,” Routledge said.

Like many rural areas, Routledge said Hillsdale County has many unique challenges for teens and these challenges are something Al Shiffer and his wife, Kathy, have on their hearts.Schiffer said the ministry is indeed an important one to the kids and people of Hillsdale County and he is looking forward to the event with the forecast calling for great weather.

“We’ll have about a dozen pilots there with everybody volunteering their time, airplanes, fuel and talents,” Schiffer said. “We’re looking forward to it.”

Organizers anticipate attracting thousands to the airport. Though the event has had hurdles to overcome, Routledge said that’s the case with any new event with new ground to cover.

“We hope many will plan on joining us as we make Hillsdale County history while making a difference in the lives of rural students,” Routledge said. “It will be a fantastic event and an opportunity for the community to get to know Crossroads.”